For the past two weeks, I’ve been an event goer! I missed all the excitement, meeting people and learning new things because I’ve been an event dormant for past months.

Last April 30, I attended Romance Class’ #AprilFeels. I wanted to be part of this wonderful booklover event since 2015. Because every time that Romance class had events, it would always be the same date that I already had prior commitments. I really blocked April 30 in my planner since it was announced.

April Feels took place at Urban Turf in the Uptown Mall (it was also my first time to go there and good thing I was not lost!). While waiting for the program to properly start, I bought some books that I wished my favorite authors will sign. Check out my book haul on the slide show.

It was around one in the afternoon when the event officially kicked off. It was nice seeing familiar faces (my blogger friends: Dian and Inah) and having new friends. The Summer Feels anthology was the first one that took the center stage where they introduced the 23 authors and stories in one book. Summer Crush was the next stop featuring the three writers: Tara Frejas, Jay E. Tria and Six Delos Reyes. Promdi Heart was the last anthology to be called and it contained six lovely stories set in six beautiful places in the Philippines that definitely close to one’s heart.

Live Reading is a must watch! Aside from getting to know the authors and their books, listening to snippets/scenes of the stories from great actors convince you to go buy and grab the book asap. It was ‘nakakakilig’ and very entertaining. I believed the most favorite live reading was Kate Finally by Yeyet Soriano where everyone wants to have a fling with a hot guy in an unfamiliar place! But, the one who really got everyone to their seats and had the loudest applause was Another Word for Happy by Agay Llanera where it told a story about a teenager who came out of the closet. The live reading was perfectly performed by Gio (crushie) and Fred. They were just too cute to watch!

My April Feels ended with hellos, hugs and sweet messages from my favorite authors. It was nice seeing them up close, chat with them for a bit, asked some helpful advice and you even gushed when they remembered you. I can’t wait for the next Romance Class event this year!

I’m not the most artistic person in our family. My penmanship is terrible and I can’t even draw a decent thing, yet I’m fond of coloring artworks. That’s why when Belle De Jour announced that they would have a Watercolor on Canvas and Calligraphy Workshop as part of their Passion Series, I immediately signed on. Luckily, I was able to get a slot.

Sharpie De Mayo was held last May 6 at Perks and Staples Café in Makati. The workshop was spearheaded by very talented and artistic Miss Janus Aragones-Zate. The event was sponsored by Sharpie and I was head over heels in love with their newest shades.

Miss Janus taught us on how we blend colors (my favorite!), creating a flower and spattering to name a few. She was patient and visited every table if we were doing the right thing. It took me few practices before I was able to produce a decent flower. I still need to practice on making a rose because mine didn’t look like a rose, not even close. I enjoyed the workshop especially I learned that now I’m not only good in coloring, but I can really blend colors well. Though the basic calligraphy was only tackled before the workshop ended, I still had a great time.

Is this really the final story in the Dodge Cove series? I was amused and easily smitten with Didi and Caleb, then Nathan and Preston swept away my heart in Europe and now, Natasha and Jackson are ready to give their love again another chance.

Synopsis:Natasha was DEVASTATED when Jackson, her first love, disappeared without a word only to pop up months later as a famous DJ. But now she’s over it―over him!―and ready to move on with her life! Isn’t she?

Jackson thought he was leaving Dodge Cove behind forever when he set off to LA to start his career as a DJ. But the one thing he had never been able to leave behind was the memory of his first love, Natasha, and now that he’s proven his success, he’s coming home to win her back…

Get ready to stop time, defy gravity and bring down the stars in this final book in Kate Evangelista’s Dodge Cove Trilogy!

Author’s Bio:WhenKate Evangelista was told she had a knack for writing stories, she did the next best thing: entered medical school. After realizing she wasn’t going to be the next Doogie Howser, M.D., Kate wandered into the Literature department of her university and never looked back. Today, she is a graduate of De La Salle University – Manila with an Bachelor of Arts in Literature. She taught high school English for three years and was an essay consultant for two. Currently she writes full time and is based in the Philippines. To learn more about Kate, please visit her website at www.kateevangelista.com or follow her on Twitter @KateEvangelista

Meet DJ Ax! Jackson Mallory left everything to follow his dream of being a DJ. He spent a year, making music and touring the world.And yet, Jax felt that something was missing. When he saw Tash after six months, he knew he made the wrong decision of leaving the only woman who can make him complete.

‘Harry Potter’ and Entrepreneurship Day! Meeting Albert Winchester and planning for his Entrepreneurship Day project was my favorite! I liked that this young man is a die hard Harry Potter fan! And of course, it is rare to know a guy who knows Harry Potter series by heart. Yes, I absolutely adore you Jax! And the thing that you did for Albert during the Entrepreneurship Day was marvelous!

Jackson’s Way… To win Natasha’s heart, Jackson had to stop the time, defy gravity and bring down the stars. What he did was beyond spectacular! My favorite: Skydiving and that hot kiss after!

Quotes:Caleb to Jax“You know what they say: admitting you were wrong is the first step.” –Good point Caleb!

Preston to Jax“I’m pretty sure that behind all the hate and hurt, she’s just as long as you are.”

Nathan to Natasha“You should go, Tash. Everyone deserves a second chance.”

Jackson to Albert“Sometimes people make mistakes. Hurting the ones they love.”

Jackson to Natasha“Then I realized that without you in my life, there’s no music.”

“I will bring down the stars. For you. Every single day of our lives together.”

How it ends:Apologizing + Open field concert + Underground Studios = Jackson is staying!

Verdict:Hi Miss Kate Evangelista! I enjoyed Caleb and Didi’s Big Mac date, Nathan and Preston confession over the lake and yet, I’m over head in heels in love with Jackson! Why does this guy only exist in your book? And I hate that I have to compete with a DoCo princess! Unfair! Haha… I cherish the first two stories from this series, but this is my favorite and I’m so glad that you ended the Dodge Cove series with Jackson and Natasha’s love story. It was too perfect! I love you to the moon and back!

Romance class community had released their longest collection of short stories that will make you fall in love, take second chances and believe in happy endings.

Edited and compiled by Kate SebastianGenre:ContemporaryRomanceDate: April 30, 2017Blurb:Summer loving happens so fast, as you'll find with Summer Feels, an anthology of 23 stories of love under the summer sun by #romanceclass authors. Savor the candied thrill of firsts—first loves, first kisses, first solo vacations—and the bittersweet triumph of second chances. Tour the Philippines as the stories take you to mountain retreats and island paradises. Let the magic of the hot sun, clear blue skies, and lots of love take you on a roller coaster ride of feels. With stories ranging from sweet to sexy, there's sure to be something for any fan of romance.

Erika Torres is determined to join her university’s a cappella guild to pursue her passion and to discover what fate has in store for her broken heart.

All the times she’s crossed paths with the guild’s bass leader Liam Lorenzo have made her think about the possibility of falling in love again. But with the scars of the past and the guild captain making it difficult for her to spend time with Liam, Erika must decide if the blind jump off the cliff of love is a risk her heart can take.

What I like about the story:

The Acapella Guild audition and Strawberry Ice Cream. These two sums up the first story in the anthology which I think is a good starter. I like how Liam keeps on pushing Erika to have faith in herself. And Erika bravely let go of her fear and just sing her heart out.

“Alter Christus” by Catherine Lo

When you fall deeply and helplessly in love with a seminarian, it becomes the happiest and saddest moment of your life.

Nobody knows this better than I do. For years, it’s always been Peter at the center of my heart, and we might have had a happily-ever-after if his higher calling weren’t there, stubbornly squeezing itself between us.

Now, in the summer of our last year in college, as feelings are shared involving an overly symbolic piece of rock, will Peter finally decide to choose me, or will I lose him forever to a life in robes and vestments?What I like about the story:The Mysterious Protagonist, Peter and the Spot! I’m not sure if this is a true to life experience because the name of the main character is never revealed and I’m quite curious. They have a secret spot in the covered court where they talked and shared their first and last kiss. Peter is a seminarian is already difficult to accept what more is that he actually being ordained as a priest.

P.S. Catherine Lo, you broke my heart. Seriously…

“Fall for Me” by MielSalva

Sixteen-year-old Yasmin San Carlos grew up basking in the admiration and respect of everyone around her. Except for Karlos Iñigo Vicente, who seems to be unaffected by her pleasing personality. Finding this an aberration to the natural order of her world and a telltale sign of failing her mother, Yas is determined to befriend Igo in hopes of making him fall for her.

But the plan is easier said than done.

What I like about the story:Spanish Bread, Halo-Halo and Flu… If food is the way to make someone notices you then so be it. Igo aka Inigo is a hard working teen who helps with his parent’s bakery and café. Spanish Bread and Halo-halo are the key for Yasmin to be close to the cute boy next door, she been eyeing to make fall for her. Somehow it works especially when she got sick and Igo’s surprise gift on her birthday was a Tupperware filled of ice candy.

P.S. Miel Salva, I will be waiting for Something To Say!

“The Game of Twenty Questions” by Elizabeth Galit

Charlemagne Villegas hasn’t gotten over her breakup with Dave. But it has been three years since the breakup happened. Everybody (maybe except for her) has moved on. And so there’s nothing wrong in going to the beach with Dave and their old friends, right?

But what if Charlie discovers otherwise? What if like her, someone else hasn’t gotten over what happened three years ago? Would it be another heartache? Or a second once-in-a-lifetime chance?

What I like about the story:Anawangin and the Incredible Barkada! Who couldn’t resist a beautiful place even though your ex is present? No one. Charlie and Dave broke up and there was no closure. It is wonderful that their friends somehow made the trip possible so these two can patch things up. Luckily, Dave is still in love with Charlie after three years of being separated from one another.

“The Summer You Said Hello” by Ami Granada

Edward and Camille have been childhood friends since forever. Edward secretly loves her. They lost touch after graduation. By chance, they meet again, but Edward seems aloof. Seeing him again, Camille is sure of one thing—she is in love with him.

Camille calls him at the radio station where he works as a DJ. She pretends to be someone else by using another name. However, Edward knows her voice, clear as a silver morning.

What I like about the story:Love poems, letters and ‘Susan’ calling Edward Scissorhand. When you fell in love with your childhood friend then wrote a love poem for your English project and even created a letter that you didn’t have the guts to give, universe found a way that these two to reconnect. Good thing Camille had a list to catch Edward’s attention. And it worked.

“At the Bermuda Triangle” by Elea Andrea Almazora

There’s no way Messi Potenciano’s letting her problems ruin the wedding of her two closest friends. She’ll just get through the beach side ceremony and not get entangled in anything dumb.

Steve Caballero has no intention of staying for his clients’ wedding. He just wants to deliver the clothes he designed and get off the island resort.

Their sudden and staggering attraction and surprising connection are not part of the plan. But what else would you expect at a resort called the Bermuda Triangle?What I like about the story:Fashion Designer and Tamarind Balls… It is unusual for straight men to be a fashion designer and Esteban is one hot FD! I’m in love with Messi’s name and her personality. I’m impressed on how a tamarind ball can make you think of other things that your hands and body can do.

P.S. Elea Andrea Almazora, promise me that this will be a novel! Pretty please!

“Beachin’ Summer” by Arlene Manocot

Childhood friends Summer and Jesse head to the beach after a traumatic incident leaves Jesse in need of a little rest and relaxation. He’s looking forward to catching up on his reading, and while she isn’t as avid a reader, she can’t help but be drawn in by his enthusiasm. When he shares his love of indie-published romance with her, she can’t help but wonder if he might be inspired to turn fictional love into something real.

What I like about the story:Bookworm and that majestic beach called Pagudpud. It is rare to read a MI as a book hoarder and love Romance class books so for that I’m giving you an applause Jesse. Your strategy of making a move to Summer is fantastic. Thank you for letting me remembers how beautiful Pagudpud is.

“Buddy System” by Yeyet Soriano

Smarting from a recent breakup, Kit Estaquio decides to let loose during her company’s overnight summer outing. She enlists the help of her officemate and best friend, Carlo Manlapat, and they agree to set up a buddy system where Carlo will make sure Kit won’t do anything she would regret.

But when office babe Tanya de Leon sets her sights on Carlo and office player Javier Perez makes it known he has his eye on Kit, the lines between being friends and buddies blur until Kit and Carlo realize they may not be the best buddies for each other.

What I like about the story:Attraction and Jealousy… If you keep on pinning on a person yet you feel that when you get so close to that someone, he/she is not actually that your heart has been wanting all along. Funny, that all it takes for Carlo and Kit to reveal their true feelings for one another was being with the hottest and gorgeous office buddies. I’m glad that in the end, these two decided to bring their friendship to another level.

“Busy out of the Friendzone” by Charlie Dio

A summer beach wedding in a tropical paradise, a white button-up shirt with neon pink hibiscus prints, a handful of meddling relatives, and two friends at the crossroads of their relationship dynamics—what could possibly go wrong between Aidan and Gillian? Turns out, everything! Then again, there’s also a kiss, a hickey, and a man on a mission, so maybe things could turn right after all.

What I like about the story:‘Bridesmaid’, Hickey and Room Shared! This is the first story that I read that the brother is the bridesmaid. Haha… Nice! You are so cute Aidan! And that hickey you gave was showing how possessive you are with Gillian.

“Flying with You” by Rachelle Belaro

All that Arci ever wanted was to visit Lake Sebu with her friends. When they backed out at the last minute, she was forced to continue her trip alone. Then she met Blue Shirt Guy, and she kept bumping into him. He became her impromptu travel buddy . . . and maybe a summer fling.

Will the way he holds her hand tight be enough to turn this something into a real relationship? Or is it just a fleeting summer encounter?

What I like about the story:Traveling Alone, Zipline and that Cake! Was it worse when your friends back out with the supposed to be a barkada out of town trip or they set you up with their ‘replacement’? It is a positive and a negative result to Arci who suffered a stomach ache before the trip, she had struggled with the zip line and yet she enjoyed her stay with Lake Sebu which she has been hoping to visit. The most ‘nakakakilig’ moment is that “Will You Be My Girlfriend’ cake! You’re so sweet Kyle!

“Guide for a Day” by H. Bentham

Delivery boy Jun meets vacationer Ricky at his hometown’s only hotel. It was an instant attraction for Jun, and when the city boy offers to hire him as a tour guide for a day, the provincial lad agrees. They go around town together, discovering more than just the town’s history, but each other’s as well.

What I like about the story:Tour Guide and Lantayan… That day spent in Lantayan was cool. It is obvious that Ricky was in Jun and that passionate kiss that led to an invitation dinner is just the beginning. I had a great time reading Ricky and Jun’s love story. More please!

“Ready to Run” by Kit Salazar

Chris Hastings was pretty happy with his life. He had a nice beachside apartment, good friends, and a job he enjoyed. He didn’t think he wanted anything more, until Lauren Ditas came into his life. She was outgoing, athletic, beautiful, and everything he thought he couldn’t have. Chris opened himself up to her, but then he realized that she wasn’t doing the same with him. Could they make things work if there were secrets between them?

What I like about the story:‘Friends with Benefits’ Left over Food and Injury! Let me try to give a leftover food to this handsome neighbor in our village and I might be like Lauren! A professional football player, especially a woman is admirable and having been injured is I think it is a blessing in disguise. And I couldn’t help but to think that they were Friends with Benefits while reading. Chris is one of my favorite male characters ever; I just like him being too private and conservative.“Secondhand Wanderlust” by Erleen Alvarez

Twenty-four-year-old April De Guzman has never traveled alone and for good reason. Until she finds her sister's travel diary and impulsively books a two-day tour package to Calaguas Island. She doesn’t know how she will survive the boat ride; much less live in a tent. But charming tour guide slash photographer Leo proves a welcome distraction from her overthinking mind.

With a bag full of summer essentials and her sister's diary in hand, April will go on a journey to find that missing piece inside her and discover that traveling alone isn't as lonely as it sounds.

What I like about the story:Calaguas Island, Finding Love and Ally’s Diary… I miss Calaguas and this story makes me want to go there again. I also felt your boat experience April and it was indeed scary! I’m so grateful to Ally’s Diary there are full of wisdom and heart.

“The Search for the Kissing Monster” by Ella Banta

Vincent and his friends are excited for their summer vacation this year, especially because one of his friends will be getting married. Congratulations and drinking are in order. Only, Vincent can’t drink. Weird things happen when he drinks. Then his friends mention something about him and a kissing monster. Who—or what—is it? What does it have to do with Vincent?What I like about the story:Being drunk and finding the Kissing Monster! Of course, I pitied Vincent for not remembering things when he was drunk. I was not surpised by the revelation of who was the ‘phantom kisser’ though, because I had an idea who he might be. And my guess was correct! “Anything Can Happen” by Marian Tee

Charlotte “Charlie” Perez is what people think as the “serious” type. Or at least that’s how her family has been describing Charlie her entire life, and so it must be true. But everything she knows or thought was true about herself is challenged one fine day in Boracay when she meets the gorgeous, mysterious Alexio ...

What I like about the story:Alexio… Alexio… Alexio… Charlie is a very fortunate woman to have Alexio! This is one of the steamiest stories in the anthology, prepare your ovaries okay? I love Alexio to the fullest.

P.S. I still couldn’t enough of Alexio, hi Marian Tee, a full story of these two, fingers crosses!

“Four Basic Principles” by Bianca Mori

Everybody makes mistakes in college, but one night’s carelessness turned former friends, Cass and Gelo, into strangers. Seven years later, they are thrown together in scenic Moalboal, Cebu. The trip has them wondering: are people doomed to repeat the same mistakes, or can time thaw the ice between two former friends?

What I like about the story:One Night Stand Partner and Dealing with the Past. So Cass and Gelo should be together since they were college, but both were scared of having a relationship so they kept on avoiding each other. One night stand is okay, yet if you have it twice, I believe there are feelings already. And I’m truly pleased that they finally let go of their past and give love a chance.

“Love after Summer” by Irene Jurado

Seine Vargas met a dashing groomsman one summer day in Boracay. She was appointed as a substitute photographer for a wedding photoshoot by her best friend.

There’s a sizzling connection between her and the groomsman, but can this summer fling turn into an all-year romance knowing they just spent only a day with each other in an island?What I like about the story:Yatch, Island Cruising and Strawberry Sangria. Sidney is an expert on winning a girl’s heart and attention. And, like Seine I’m head over heels in love with you as well. Amazing strategy!

“Lucky in Paradise” by Farrah F. Polestico

After getting out of a failed relationship, Lucy books a weeklong stay at Villa del Carmel, a little corner of paradise where she can bask in the summer sun and forget about all her problems. Dean, the resident chef, catches her eye, but she doesn’t want anything serious. And Dean seems to want the same thing. So they take it one day at a time, reveling in the now.

But what if her heart starts asking for more than what Dean can give? Will it get what it wants, or is she in for heartbreak?

What I like about the story:Break-up and Hot Chef. Lucky aka Lucy is indeed the luckiest girl in the world. Winning a trip for two for a weekend get-away and catching the Chef’s eye is something you can envy. However, it is hard to jump into a new relationship when both of you are not ready, right Dean?

“The Swimming Instructor” by Eris Peñaluna

Bound together by a scheming little girl, Jandro and Ariel try to come to terms with their mutual attraction for each other through lots of gauging and attack tactics, mostly from Ariel, much to Jandro’s chagrin.

In which Jandro learns to swim and Ariel learns how to take a plunge again.

What I like about the story:Meet the Torpe and Seductress! There is absolutely chemistry and if the guy still doesn’t make a move after all the signals and signs that you sent, then go ahead jump and let him drown to you. Jandro is such a cute torpe and Ariel is a woman who is really having a mission. Thanks to Addie!“Wedding Night Stand” by Mina V. Esguerra

Andrea Crisostomo is no longer your Ms. Right Now, thank you very much. She’s had enough of guys who like her “free spirit” but then break up with her before things get serious.

Damon Esquibel enjoys the slow and steady chase, and it looks like his two-year pursuit of Geraldine is about to pay off. He’s at his friend Anton’s destination wedding only because of her. But then he meets the sister of the bride, who doesn’t seem to want to be there, and it’s enough to question his plans for the evening—and the rest of the weekend.

What I like about the story:Private Dance and the ‘paasa’ Geraldine… I hate Geraldine but she made the story more colorful. I felt no sorry for you. That private dance is so ardent and Damon you are a bomb! I’m super delighted that you let go with your feelings with Geraldine. Andrea is better alright!

“An Overdue Adventure” by Kate Sebastian

Hilary Santos is pretty much the poster girl for a sedentary lifestyle, but this week, she’s out to fulfill her father’s last wish—that she go on a no-holds-barred adventure. Travel guide and family friend Roman Villaflor is determined to make sure she doesn’t chicken out on the adrenaline rush Cebu has to offer. But Hilary soon finds that the thrill of jumping off cliffs and swimming with sharks can’t compare to the one she feels in his arms. Dare she take the biggest leap of all?What I like about the story:Father’s wish and that after sun Aloe-Gel! Thank heavens to Ma’am Hell‘s (haha…) father last wish and she won’t experience the much needed adventure that changed her life. And why putting the after Sun Aloe Gel is such an erotic scene to read?

“Buttered Sunset” by Halina Cabrera

Marisol thinks it might be too late for love. Her life has been the resort she runs together with her sister at Moalboal, Cebu. However, when Joe Bassett walks up to the reception desk to flirt with her while looking for lunch, she changes her mind. Maybe it’s time for her to work up an appetite for change. But does she have the courage to just say yes?What I like about the story:Merienda, Workaholic Sol and Persistent Joe… The food is a significant technique in getting someone’s attention. And Joe is on the right track. It took four ‘merienda’ dates before he could persuade Marisol that is there is more with them.“Then Derrick Was Back” by Georgette S. Gonzales

Nadia and Derrick had the kind of relationship that was both hot and promising. But then Derrick had to leave and inasmuch as they worked hard to keep things normal between them, distance and uncertainty got in the way and she called it quits. Over a couple of years later, Derrick surprised her by coming back on the scene. Is Nadia prepared to pick up where they left off? Or will she remain indifferent considering the pain he made her go through when they were apart?

What I like about the story:Hot German Boss and Second Chance to Forever! I’m all smiles while reading this last story because I’m enjoying the German endearing language and I vividly imagine every scene. This is an excellent way to end the anthology. Can you also ship someone like Derrick to me? About #romanceclass:#romanceclass is a community of authors who attended various writing workshops organized by Mina V. Esguerra, readers of books by those authors, and readers of English-language romance books by Filipino authors. Visit romanceclassbooks.com to see the full catalog of books!About the Authors:Elea Andrea Almazora

Elea Andrea Almazora typically writes poetry and speculative fiction and has a weakness for funny romance stories. She currently works as a contributor to Playboy magazine’s Advisor column.

When she's not running errands or making monthly reports, Erleen Alvarez escapes the real world by reading books and writing stories about love of all kinds. She lives in a small town in Camarines Norte, where she’s trying to complete at least one publishable novel.

Ella Banta is a purple-loving, egg pie-eating 30-something woman. Writing has always been a dream for her since she was little. And writing for a #romanceclass book is a dream come true. After this, she plans to write more and hopefully meet more awesome egg pie-eating peeps.

Rachelle is a published author of Pop Fiction, an imprint of Summit Books. She chooses watching Kdramas over writing stories, which makes it difficult for her to finish a chapter. If daydreaming were a profession, she could have made a great career in it.

H. Bentham was born and raised in the Philippines, but now resides 1,487 miles away from home. He battles homesickness with his various hobbies and (mostly) by procrastinating on the internet. When he's done being bored, he writes stories and, when he's feeling particularly profound, poems. He adores turtles and bettas, enjoying the slow, quiet companionship they provide.

Halina Cabrera writes steamy romance, among other things, while she’s on break. She’s a breakfast person (that’s not the same as being a morning person). And she loves serif fonts. She’ll keep writing until she keels over.

CharlioDio is a jack of all trades hailing from the Philippines. She loves reading, writing, watching anime, and taking long walks with her two dogs. An office employee by day and an internet ninja by night, she spends the majority of her waking hours talking to people in her head and putting their stories into written words.

Georgette S. Gonzales is an author of romance in Filipino (as Edith Joaquin of My Special Valentine) and in English. She’s also written crime fiction novella Classified. Gette is a milrom junkie; she cooks but does not bake, loves to travel, and prides herself on being a singer, poet, and friend.

Ami Granada writes romances, travel stories, and poetry. She has written one romance novel in English (Unspoken), romance novels in Tagalog, and short stories that have been published in local magazines and newspapers. The only time she feels really free is when she travels and when she writes.

Irene is a full-time mom in the morning and full-time employee by night. Once she puts everything in order, she becomes a romance reader, writes short stories, opens her bag full of watercolors, and drinks her milk tea.

To learn more about this author and for updates on new releases, pleaseFollow her on Twitter @I_reign_Follow her on Amazon at amzn.to/2peizWo

Catherine Lo

Catherine Dellosa Lo is a freelance writer by day and a geek by night, with works published in SuperHeroStuff, Vibal’s POC, Philippine Daily Inquirer, and more. She hopes to soar the skies as a superhero someday, but for now, she believes in saving lives through fiction. For fun, her personal blog recounts rookie misadventures as a noob wife.

Arlene Manocot writes in English and Filipino. Her words dwell in the realms of fantasy, suspense and romance. Aside from writing fiction, she also weaves poems from the endless thread of life. Daydreaming is an expensive hobby she'd like to preserve, and putting her thoughts into writing keeps her sane in this world of insanity.

Bianca Mori is the author of One Night at the Palace Hotel, Tame the Kitten, and the Takedown Trilogy. She is interested in exploring power in romance and enjoys reading about demimondaines, pin-up girls and Jazz Age personalities and hopes to reinterpret these in her stories. She lives with her family and a hyperactive pug.

The author is a graduate of the University of the Philippines. This is her first romance short story, though she plans to publish a novel in the near future. During her spare time, she practices yoga, runs and tries to learn as many languages as she can.

Farrah F. Polestico wanted to be a lot of things in life—an engineer, a nurse, an astrophysicist. But it wasn’t until she was thirteen that she knew she was going to be a published writer. When she’s not up all night writing her next book, you can find her reading anything and everything, from Charles Dickens novels to old grocery receipts.

Kit has always known what she wanted in life, but only recently took courage to go after it. She's back to doing things things that she loves, including writing and illustrating, while juggling a side job that helps fuel her creativity.

MielSalva is a Filipino HR consultant by day and a romance writer/reader by heart. She enjoys watching movies, documentaries and TV series and going out to eat with friends or with her fiancé. She reads and writes stories about love and its many different facets because she believes that even in this world filled with hate, love still prevails.

Fay is a speech communication student who writes even on the busiest of days because writing prevents her from turning into a college zombie. Why she holds writing instruments in an odd way will always be a mystery to the world.

Kate Sebastian has been crafting stories since she was tiny. She spent her childhood reimagining classic fairy tales and inventing new ones. She earns a good living writing articles and editing manuscripts, but decided to try her hand at writing romance (the steamy kind) since she reads so much of it.

Yeyet Soriano is an Asia Pacific IT manager by day, writer by night, and a wife and mother of three all throughout. Turning Points, In My Dreams, The Retreat, and Kate, Finally are her self-published novels. Romance is not her core genre, but all her stories, no matter how dark or twisted, have romantic elements embedded in them.

Quotes:“Because sometimes the best memories are the seemingly unimportant little moments that make their mark on your heart.” –Liam to Erika

‘Falling in love is a look, a whisper, a breath. It’s a quiet moment that’s as delicate as the feelings that surge right after.’ –Alter Christus

“If you think about it, sometimes when we are lost, that’s the time that we find ourselves.” –Edward

“My ex was just not the right guy for me, and that was the reason I never slept with him. It took me three years to discover that.” –Kit to Carlo

“You’ve been with the right guy all along so you never noticed your ex wasn’t it.” –Carlo to Kit

‘Be open to the possibility of love. Believe me, there’s a love that won’t lead us to heartbreak.’ -Ally

“If you’re meant to be together, destiny will find a way for you to be together. But you have to want it too; you have to fight for it too. Fight like hell.” - Aubrey

Before I gave my verdict with the anthology, let me just give awards to the stories that rocked and broke my world in an instant.*Most heartbreaking story: Alter Christus – Please have tissue beside you. I couldn’t stop the tear that slipped from my eyes after reading it.*Favorite Best Friend Story: Busy out of the Friendzone – Gillian and Aidan are cute being best friends, but they are more adorable as a couple!*Most Heartwarming Story: Secondhand Wanderlust – Ally’s Diary is too memorable and April following her sister’s footstep is very touching.

Verdict:This anthology made me more appreciative with the Philippines and Filipinos are believer of romance and true love. I discovered places that I would definitely want to visit someday. The 23 well-crafted and beautifully written short stories put a smile on my face, increase my faith that one day, love will find its way to me and I should not close my door for second chances.

England’s most feared heavyweight-boxing champion.He despises the fame and glory, but it’s nothing compared to the hate he inflicts on himself. All he wants is to be left alone to live on his boat in misery.When I line up for his autograph, it’s instant fireworks. But not the beautiful stars-shine-bright kind. He’s rude. Heartless. A ticking time bomb of rage.

Luckily, I’m not afraid to put a lit match to his fuse.I upload a private video of him to my one-million-subscribers channel. The video goes viral.

The ex-Royal Marine nearly breaks down my studio door to flag me inappropriate……while I’m in the middle of a live streaming event.

I don’t tell him. I don’t switch off the camera. I keep recording, secretly playing to my audience. He should have checked if the camera was rolling, right?It should be a shipwreck from the moment the storm hits.

It is.And then … it isn’t.Our attraction is painful, undeniable, and it’s like I am Eve and his lips are the apple, and damn if his tongue isn’t the snake.

I am the only girl who can put this broken man back together again.But he knows the secret he is keeping will tear us apart. He knows it’ll force my hand to break ties with the only family I have left in the world.But once The Tempest, the man with the iron heart, falls in love … he’ll crush anyone who dares to take me away from him.I have no choice but to go down with his ship.Hook, line, and goddamned sinker.--The Tempest is a contemporary romance story of love, comedy and treachery.

No cheating. No OW/OM. Standalone. HEA. 18+

Author’s Bio:Brit Constantine is a twenty-something author of The Tempest, her first published novel. Writing and ballet are the two things she lives for … next to cheesecake and firemen. When she’s not writing, or randomly bidding for useless items on the Web, she’s either earning bruises at her boyfriend’s mixed martial arts club or sipping on a perfect glass of Pimm’s with her girlfriends. She lives in London with her ever-growing collection of shoes. It’s a woman’s right to shoes.

What I like about the story:The Bare Knuckled Boxer vs Certified Vlogger! I find the story very interesting because of how mysterious Lenic ‘The Tempest’ Reevus and how persistent is Felicity Saint James. These two who have different personalities and jobs connects well with one another. I like that Flick aka Felicity made the first move by approaching Lenic in her unique way of getting an ‘autograph’ and she was brave enough to post some videos of Lenic. You go girl!

Where Lenic is: Fallen Rock or Houseboat? For a popular and in-demand boxer, Lenic is a low profile man whom you really cannot help but fall in love with. A guy, who is health conscious, has an uber sexy body, can create an origami, his favorite place is near the sea and he is living in a houseboat. Wow! Lenic is such an amazing guy!

The ‘Past Tenses’ of the Unlikely Couple... Felicity and Lenic are truly compatible to each other. One had been mentally abused, became an orphan at an early age yet grew up stronger and happier because of a special loved one while the one’s life changed because of a sudden death of a sibling. I was happy at the outcome of these two with regards their past experiences.

Quotes:Lenic to Felicity“You’re a fruitcake, but you’re driving me crazy.”

“Not egotistic. Thinking you’re better than everyone else is egotistic. Being the best you can be is confidence and that’s who I am- get used to it. Because I’m not going anywhere.”

“I’m in love with you, Felicity. I love you with every ounce of my fucked up heart. I can’t remember the time when I wasn’t in love with you. And I’ll keep on loving you. I won’t let a simple damn thing change that.”

Felicity to Lenic“I’ve been determined to get up every time I’m knocked down. To get up and not use my past as an excuse to not live.”

“I’d like to think you’re living the life you chose and not the life that was chosen for you.”

“I don’t want you to bury yourself into a hole you can never climb out from.”

“Dwelling in anger and hate is like drinking poison. It will slowly destroy you inside out.”

“I never saw you coming. The one thing that I never wanted… is the one thing I never want to be without.” -My heart Team Felenicity!

“As much as I want to be your whole world, it isn’t healthy. We’re all responsible for our own happiness. I can’t and I don’t want to be the only thing in your life that makes you smile. If my experiences have taught me anything, it’s that you need to be at peace with yourself first before you look to others for happiness. It starts with you.”

‘Ever heard of the wheel of fortune? The harder you are, the harder you fall. If you’re not careful, one day your ego will strike you down and you’ll fall from a great height.’

‘Some secrets are meant to be broken. Before they break us.’

‘But people who experience grief like that are the lucky ones. Because you only truly grieve if you’ve truly loved. And loving and being loved might sound like a cliche, but it’s what everyone’s looking for. True love leaves your heart open and fragile, and there is always a chance it will be broken or taken away. But what a feeling, hey? What a damn feeling.’

‘Kindness. It brought us together. It is our one constant. It is our powerful, rare. Like finding the light at the end of a never-ending tunnel. We are drawn to it. And we will do whatever it takes to never let it out of sight. Out of mind.’‘But that’s the thing about love… you’re always falling. And although most of the time it feels a lot like flying, every bird can tell you that sometimes you just can’t fix things with a smile, a kiss, a light touch. And sooner or later we all end up being bruised, but being black-and-blue means you’re the colour of the sky, and it’s OK to split open, it’s OK to hurt. You have to let your heart feel broken. After all, that is the only way to be sure if it’s true love. It is the only way to trust your heart in the palm of their hands.’

How it ends:Two videos: Felicity takes a shower, Lenic proposing to Felicity; baby bump and hello there Bethany!

Verdict:This is so far my favorite contemporary romance this year. Lenic and Felicity gave me so many butterflies in my stomach and I’m wonderfully happy being inspired by their love for each other. There were so many outstanding quotes and life lessons in this story. Brit Constantine, you are a very smart writer and I hope that someday I will meet you and hug you personally because The Tempest touched my heart and soul a lot. And those four smashing epilogues are truly winners! Great debut novel!